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DIN Standards Committee Principles of Environmental Protection

Abstract

The basis for managing environmental issues in companies across all industries and other organizations is the internationally recognized standard DIN EN ISO 14001:2026-06 Environmental Management Systems — Requirements with Guidance for Use. Since the revision in 2015, a life-cycle perspective has been required, for example, for products or goods and materials used within the organization. Due to the general scope of application of DIN EN ISO 14001:2026-06, the requirements regarding the depth and extent to which this assessment must be carried out by the user of the document must be defined within the context of each individual organization. Therefore, no universally applicable guideline for procedure can be derived from this; this also includes the fact that DIN EN ISO 14001:2026-06 does not explicitly require the conduct of comprehensive and product-specific life cycle assessments (LCA). An LCA represents one of several approaches to life cycle assessment. Although by no means new, the requirements of DIN EN ISO 14001 have brought life cycle assessment into the spotlight. As a result, both users of DIN EN ISO 14001 in organizations and companies, as well as auditors from certification bodies, are challenged to develop practical approaches and appropriate evaluation criteria. This document provides guidance to users in organizations, consultants, and internal and external auditors on implementing and assessing the life cycle approach in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001:2026-06. Regardless of an organization’s type, size, or industry, this guide outlines various ways in which the life cycle assessment requirements of DIN EN ISO 14001:2026-06 can be implemented. Companies and organizations that have had little or no prior exposure to this topic will find an initial orientation here. Organizations with experience in life cycle assessment will find guidance on how this tool can be used within the framework of the environmental management system and in relation to the entire organization. Furthermore, auditors from certification bodies will find practical starting points for assessing an organization’s life cycle assessment in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001:2026-06. For users of DIN EN ISO 14001 with no prior experience in product life cycle assessment, this guide provides insight into the various forms of life path analysis, each of which can serve as a starting point for a more comprehensive life cycle analysis. This document does not recommend specific tools or procedures for life-course assessment, as the suitability of a tool can only be assessed in the context of the respective organization.

Begin

2026-09-11

Planned document number

DIN/TS 35807

Project number

17200310

Responsible national committee

NA 172-00-02 AA - Environmental management/Environmental audit  

previous edition(s)

Guideline for Life Cycle Assessment according to DIN EN ISO 14001:2015-11
2020-08